In a Health and Human Development class in High School, my teacher brought in a series of posters and quizzes. She asked of us to promptly spend a couple of minutes to take a quiz to find out the type of learner we are. After filling our answers in the quiz and tallying up our results we determined the type of learner we are. We each grabbed a poster filled with ways to study for each separate learner. Some of our results crossed with two or three types of learners however, one of the types of learners definitely suited us best.
By recognising the type of learner you are, you allow your mind to easily recall information and learn in a less tedious rather exciting way.
4 Types of Learners:
Visual
Auditory
Reading/Writing
Kinesthetic
To find which Type of Learner you are, reflect or write a list of techniques you have found to be the most effective way to study. Even so, think of the times that you received a great result in an assessment or exam and reflect on the way you studied.
Visual Learners
Did you use posters and cue cards to remember content?
Auditory Learners
Did you use a song or music to help memorise words?
Did you get someone to ask you knowledge based questions and you answered them?
Reading & Writing
Did you fill out a summary book or fill out a series of test papers?
Kinesthetic
Did it help to perform a hands-on activity or role play in class?
For the above questions: The ones which you answered 'yes' to are the type of Learning styles that you feel most comfortable and happy applying. If you were unsure or perhaps never tried a listed learning technique this could be a great opportunity for you to apply it as well as your usual study techniques the next time you are preparing for a quiz or exam.
Seek all options and make it work for you
Resources
There are various methods to seek information from in University from your lecturers, tutors to your textbooks, readings, unit outline, online websites and the people in your course. If you find yourself not obtaining the answers you are looking for; seek an alternative way.
Your textbook, readings and unit outline (assessment guide) will provide you with all the content information for your assessments. The lectures and tutorials will help you apply your knowledge to practical life examples that applies the topic you are studying. Online websites and People in your classes and course (students completing other years in the course) can help to encourage you and improve your perspective of each topic.
Based on the type of learner you are, you will find some resources more time effective and easy to apply to your course work.
Assessments
After receiving your assessment due dates or unit outline write down all your upcoming due dates in your diary, planner or calendar. University is similar to having a job so adding any important events in your calendar will ensure you know what is ahead and focus on your Assignment in the days or weeks leading up to the completion day. You may have a group assignment, essay or project to create and report on each of these require at least a month to work on.
As soon as you are given the task,
For group assignments – Read the task description and discuss it with your group
Essays – Brainstorm any ideas, subheadings or questions you have in a document. You could even write an introduction!
Creative Projects – While reading the task description, annotate (highlight and label) any words or ideas that you want to pursue
By the next class you will feel more prepared and can extend on your ideas and brainstorm. Since you have put in the time to think and prepare questions you can ask your teacher for assistance to improve your work and make sure you fully understand the task.
Homework
Each class entails different pieces of homework to complete through the week. This could be quizzes, readings, personal reflections and relevant tasks i.e. explore the library database. Use any free time you have during the day to complete these.
You could go into the library with a friend after the lectures to complete the quiz together or complete the readings on your public transport commute in the mornings or evenings. Find the time in the day that you feel more alert and open to learning and slot in your homework time there.
Switch up your learning spaces by bring your books and laptop to a different room or space in your home, or different level in your University building, you could study in different libraries (the state library, University or the surrounding libraries to your home).
Find spaces that work best for your studying or revising:
At home vs at university
With classmates vs independently
Outside vs inside space
Once you find a study technique or place that produces your most effective work, keep practicing it. Sometimes you will have experiment to find what suits you best but once you do your university experience will be easier and more relaxing. Use any resources you have and ask for help, ask your friends, classmates, course coordinator tutors or lecturers. If you are struggling to find where to start, start with the advice that stood out to you in this piece.
Written By Juliette Pierre
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